Suspended Cranford police officer pleads guilty to harassing woman

Brian Thomas, a suspended Cranford police officer, agreed to forfeit his job and was placed on two years probation after admitting in court that he harassed a woman while he was on duty. Courtesy Union County Prosecutor's Office

ELIZABETH — A veteran Cranford police officer who was suspended nearly two years ago has forfeited his job after pleading guilty in Superior Court to harassing a woman while he was on duty, officials said today.

Brian Thomas, 38, of Linden, was also placed on two years probation after he admitted having inappropriate communications with a woman, said his lawyer, Charles Sciarra.

Thomas was originally charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and second-degree official misconduct for a June 22, 2011 incident while he was on duty and in uniform.

When Thomas was charged, Sciarra said his client and the woman involved were life-long acquaintances.

Thomas was charged Aug. 19, 2011, after an investigation by the police department's internal affairs bureau, Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow said at the time. Romankow said Thomas assaulted the woman while on a call.

No other details were released.

Thomas, who had 12 years with the department, was suspended without pay.

On Tuesday, Thomas appeared before Superior Court Judge Robert Mega and pleaded guilty to the harassment charge, under a plea agreement reach with the prosecutor's office.

As part of the agreement, he can never hold a public sector job again, Romankow said.